Carbon credits are a mechanism to offset carbon emissions by buying into projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. These methods are diverse, encompassing a range of activities designed to either capture carbon dioxide or prevent its emission.
Reforestation and Afforestation
Planting trees to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, leveraging forests' natural carbon sequestration capabilities.
Forest Conservation
Protecting existing forests to prevent the release of stored carbon, aiding in the preservation of biodiversity and carbon stocks.
Renewable Energy Projects
Investing in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power to replace fossil fuel energy sources, reducing emissions from the energy sector.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Enhancing efficiency in buildings, manufacturing, and transportation to reduce overall energy demand and associated emissions.
Methane Capture and Utilisation
Capturing methane from landfills and agricultural practices to prevent its release into the atmosphere and potentially converting it into renewable energy.
Soil Carbon Sequestration
Improving agricultural practices to increase the amount of carbon stored in soil, which not only reduces atmospheric CO2 levels but also enhances soil health and productivity.
Savanna Fire Management
Implementing controlled burning techniques in northern Australia's savannas to reduce the intensity of wildfires, thereby decreasing emissions from uncontrolled fires and promoting biodiversity.
Blue Carbon Projects
Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses that are highly effective at sequestering CO2, contributing to both carbon storage and marine biodiversity.
Waste to Energy
Converting waste materials into energy through processes like anaerobic digestion, which reduces landfill emissions and produces renewable energy.
Industrial Process Improvements
Investing in technologies and processes that reduce emissions from industrial operations, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) and process efficiency enhancements.